Slowing the process of hair loss: No magic potions

Presented by RAZ International, Inc.

The woman sat at the palm reader’s table in a cloud of incense holding a Tarot card on her head. “It’s the Empress card. This is a good sign,” said palm reader, placing colored crystals in the woman’s other hand. She wanted to get up and leave, but had paid so much money. “Are you sure this is going to grow my hair back?”

“Unfortunately, in the hair loss industry, many take advantage of those who will try anything to slow down hair loss,” advised Amnon Zakay, founder, consultant, and personal hair replacement expert at RAZ International, Inc. “They create the feeling that their magic potions will help. This may create false expectations — which they should not do. Hair loss is an emotional, complex issue. Magic doesn’t work — in fact, it can be harmful to the individual who trusts you.”

We all lose hair on a daily basis. But some people deal with greater than normal hair thinning and balding as a result of family history, hormones, diet, stress, mineral deficiencies, Thyroid issues, or medications. “While there are some steps we can take to delay that process,” said Zakay, “it is important to remember that some follicles have a kind of expiration date, so do not accept any promise of a magic solution.”

Last month, the American Hair Loss Association sent an online Buyer Beware alert warning the over 20 million women suffering from hair loss of common misleading trends. Equally vital to following steps to slow down the process of hair loss, is to work with a trustworthy consultant when you are seeking reliable advice on your options.

In a recent interview, Zakay explained these unethical practices with U-T San Diego. “What’s going on in the market are companies and individuals making magic claims. For example, laser treatments or laser combs — some may sign you up on contract and you can spend hundreds to thousands while wasting time on the promise that you will get your hair back. Be wary of anyone who promises to regrow your hair.”

Zakay warned, “Also be careful with extensions and transplants. For a short time, extensions might feel like more hair but if your hair is thinning due to female pattern baldness, you risk pulling hair and creating bald spots. Also, extensions cannot be attached to the top thinning spots since they show and will be very noticeable. With transplants, it’s the same misleading issue as it is not very effective for female pattern baldness. This invasive procedure will not add anymore hair, as the surgeon basically relocates current hair from a donor area — which is supposedly thick — to the thin or bald areas. Women are generally not common candidates for this method.”

Zakay also discussed the importance of researching advice and claims. “My relationship with my clients is long-term. And that means maintaining high-standards in our ethical obligation to be honest,” he said, “but it’s good to check information. For example, avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments and being mindful of your nutrition, vitamins and stress levels are good ideas. But if anybody promises you that a shampoo will grow hair, do some research. Taking medications may help, but only to delay the hair loss process.”

With over 30 years helping women with hair loss — and personal experience suffering from hair loss during his mid-twenties — Zakay emphasized that a trustworthy stylist is your first step. “We have a moral responsibility, when we build a relationship based on trust. Being honest about ways to slow the thinning or balding process or simply choosing the right method is a basic rule — no hocus pocus.”